Hormonal imbalances can have a significant impact on our emotional, physical, and mental well-being, affecting individuals of all ages and ethnicities. To address these imbalances and identify potential health conditions, laboratory testing plays a crucial role. At our office, we prioritize the importance of functional lab testing and have implemented specific policies to ensure optimal patient care.
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Most People are Unaware of the Current State of Their Health.
Are you tired of feeling exhausted, moody, and out of balance? It's time to take a closer look at your day-to-day symptoms. You might be surprised to discover that those nagging issues you've been brushing off as "normal" could actually be signs of a hormone imbalance. Imagine a life where you wake up energized, feel emotionally stable, and have the vitality to tackle anything that comes your way. Don't settle for just getting through the day—reconsider how you're viewing your symptoms and take control of your hormonal health. It's time to feel your best and live life to the fullest.
Hormones, which act as powerful chemical messengers
Hormones, which act as powerful chemical messengers, are produced by the endocrine system and play a vital role in regulating essential body processes such as metabolism, appetite, growth, reproduction, mood, and sleep patterns. Even minor hormonal changes can have serious consequences since the body relies on hormones to coordinate its functions. By testing hormone levels, we can identify imbalances and deficiencies, leading to a better understanding of what is happening within your body.
Imagine your body as a network of connections, much like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Hormones act as the signals that keep everything running smoothly. They ensure that messages are sent and received properly, just like how Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connections allow devices to communicate seamlessly. However, if there's an obstacle in the way, like a glitchy signal or a lock blocking a key, things can go awry. Similarly, when hormones are imbalanced, it's like a hiccup in the connection, leading to disruptions in your body's functioning.
It is easy to mis-read symptoms when they are so blatant
At Gershon Preventative Medicine, we understand how hard it can be to reframe the mindset when it comes to health. That is why we take a first hand and personal approach to healthcare. We start with diagnostic testing and while those results are pending, we establish a health history with you!
Diagnostic Testing
Monitoring hormone levels becomes particularly important as we age. With the natural fluctuations that occur in hormone levels over time, certain functions decrease, and uncomfortable symptoms may arise. Whether you are menopausal, undergoing hormone replacement therapy, or receiving hormone supplementation, it is crucial to monitor your hormone levels closely.
Functional lab testing allows us to definitively identify hormone imbalances and deficiencies
During your initial visit, baseline measurements are established through blood work, which serves as a guide for managing your treatment. Without accurate lab results, dosing may not be as precise, potentially compromising the effectiveness of your treatment. Our goal is to help each patient achieve optimal health and hormone balance, which is why we go beyond settling for "normal" levels that are statistically average.
At Gershon Preventative Medicine, we require patients to complete prescribed follow-up blood work between appointments to ensure safe and effective monitoring of their treatment. Prescription refills for hormone therapy are based on provider approval and may vary depending on the results of laboratory analysis.
Let's take a closer look at some of the specific hormone tests we conduct:
THYROID: TSH, T4, T3
The thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test measures the levels of this hormone in your blood. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain and controls the production of thyroid hormones. Abnormally high or low TSH levels may indicate thyroid dysfunction.
The thyroxine (T4) test helps diagnose thyroid conditions by measuring the levels of this hormone in your blood. T4 is a crucial thyroid hormone that regulates various bodily functions, including metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, muscle strength, and mood.
The triiodothyronine (T3) test measures the levels of triiodothyronine in your blood. T3 is another important thyroid hormone that works in conjunction with T4 to regulate energy usage, weight, body temperature, muscle strength, and the nervous system.
VITAMIN D
The vitamin D test measures the levels of this essential vitamin in your blood. Vitamin D is crucial for healthy bones, teeth, muscles, nerves, and immune system function. Low levels of vitamin D can lead to bone disorders and other health problems. Your body produces vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight, and it can also be obtained through certain foods and supplements.
DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE SULFATE (DHEA)
The DHEA test measures the levels of DHEA sulfate (DHEAS) in your blood. DHEA-S is a sex hormone found in both men and women, produced mainly by the adrenal glands. It plays a role in the production of testosterone and estrogen and is involved in the development of male sexual characteristics during puberty. Abnormal DHEAS levels may indicate issues with the adrenal glands or sex organs.
TESTOSTERONE
Testosterone is the primary sex hormone in males, responsible for various functions such as the development
PROGESTERONE
Progesterone is mainly formed in the cells of the corpus luteum and during pregnancy in the placenta. Progesterone brings about the conversion of the uterine mucosa into a tissue rich in glands (secretion phase), in order to prepare for the intrauterine implantation of the fertilized ovum. This test is used to establish the presence of a functioning corpus luteum or luteal cell function; confirm basal body temperature measurements for the occurrence of ovulation; obtain an indication of the day of ovulation; evaluate the functional state of the corpus luteum in infertility patients; assess placental function during pregnancy; ovarian function test. Used to assess hormone imbalance for HRT.
Estradiol
The clinical applications benefiting from highly sensitive E2 measurement include the assessment of congenital defects in sex steroid metabolism and disorders of puberty. This sensitive assay also has application in the evaluation of estrogen deficiency in men and menopausal women, fracture risk assessment in these populations, and increasingly, in therapeutic drug monitoring of low-dose female hormone replacement therapy or antiestrogen treatment.
Estradiol levels tend to fluctuate dramatically during the perimenopausal transition. There is significant overlap of the expected range in menopausal women with values observed during normal menstrual cycles.
In the realm of optimizing health and well-being, understanding the intricate interplay of hormones within our bodies is of paramount importance. To unravel the complexities of hormonal imbalances and discover personalized solutions, functional hormone lab testing emerges as a valuable tool and the first step on your health journey
Don't wait another day to take charge of your health!
Join us at Gershon Preventative Medicine and embark on a transformative health journey. Visit our website at Gershonpreventative.com to explore our range of events, subscribe to our email updates for valuable insights, or simply give us a call at (757) 693-9367. Let's start this delightful journey together towards a healthier, happier you. Your future self will thank you!
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